Cuban Black Beans with Cilantro Rice

This Cuban Black Beans with Cilantro Rice recipe is the perfect blend of bold flavor, wholesome ingredients, and nourishing comfort. Slow-cooked black beans infused with herbs and spices are paired with fluffy basmati rice finished with fresh cilantro and lime. It's a dish that brings warmth to the table and simplicity to your kitchen—packed with plant-based protein, vibrant veggies, and layers of Cuban-inspired goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this is a go-to recipe for healthy, hearty, soul-satisfying food.

BLACK BEAN INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed

• 2 cups water

• 1 small red or green pepper, roughly chopped

• 1 bay leave

BLACK BEAN INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add all the above ingredients to an Instant Pot pressure cooker.

2. Cook the beans on high pressure for 30 minutes then release the steam naturally for another 25 minutes. Set aside.

ONION MIXTURE INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1 medium onion, peeled, roughly chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, peeled chopped

• 1 large red pepper, cored, seeded, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

• 1 teaspoon organic brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons white wine

• 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

ONION MIXTURE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. While waiting for the steam to release from the pressure cooker, over medium heat,

sauté onions and garlic in avocado oil for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add red pepper and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Add cumin and oregano.  Cook for another 2 minutes, 

being careful not to burn the mixture.  Add a splash of water if necessary.

4. Transfer the cooked black beans and liquid from the pressure cooker into the pan with the onion mixture.

5. Add salt, sugar and wine. Gently simmer over low heat until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.

BASMATI RICE WITH CILANTRO INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup basmati rice

• 2 cups coconut water or plain water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup cilantro, chopped

• ½ fresh line

BASMATI RICE WITH CILANTRO INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring coconut water or water to a boil, add salt and rice. Reduce heat.

2. Place lid on the pot and gently simmer the rice for 15 minutes until the rice is soft and fluffy.

3. Remove from the stove and set aside leaving the lid on for an additional 10 minutes.

4. Add cilantro and a generous squeeze of fresh lime.

5. Serve the beans over cooked white or brown basmati rice mixed with fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice or over black rice.

6. Optional toppings over black beans are sliced spring inions or red inions, chopped avocado, baby tomatoes, and cilantro.

CONCLUSION

Delicious, simple, and packed with nutrition—this Cuban Black Beans with Cilantro Rice recipe is a celebration of flavor and wellness in every bite. It's an easy weekday dinner or a perfect meal-prep option that only gets better with time. Top it off with your favorite veggies or avocado for that extra boost of nourishment. Keep cooking with intention, keep eating with joy—and remember, it’s always better when you're Living Leré.